7 Days of Prayer, Day 7
Devotional
"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"
The final phrase of the Lord's prayer, if quoted or said without thought, probably has little significance. Are we begging God not to tempt us? Perhaps the better question is, would God tempt us? James, in the reading below, has the answer for us: God does not tempt anyone. Yes, he tests us just as he tested Abraham when he instructed him to sacrifice Isaac. (Genesis 22) But God would never do anything to cause us to wander from him.
The better interpretation of the phrase is "help me resist the temptations of the world, and protect me from Satan". THAT's what we're asking of our faithful Father! And boy, do we ever need his help in this area.
More and more, the world around us offers things that would distract us and turn us aside from following God. Debt for that new device that we just have to have. Pray for God to help you turn away from that temptation! Someone who seems to offer more than the spouse of you youth. God help us turn away and stay faithful! I could go on and on, but you get the picture.
Today, when you conclude our fast and prayer week, ask God to help you avoid the temptations of this world that in any way pull you away from him. If there is anything in your life that is tempting you now, ask him to help you stand strong. Ask him even to take it out of your life!
Prayer
Father, I come to you today humbly. I need you, Father. I need your strength, I need your peace, I need your joy. I know that these things will come to me when I come close to you. I am surrounded by a world that would tempt me on every turn. Voices cry out that what I have isn't enough, isn't good enough, doesn't measure up to what I should have. Father, I know those voices are not from you, but are from my enemy, Satan. Help me, Father, to stand strong against these voices and to never give in to them. Put a hedge around me, Father, and keep me safe from these attacks. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture Reading
Hebrews 2:18 (NKJV) 18For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
James 1:13–15 (NKJV) 13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
1 John 2:15–17 (NKJV) 15Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"
The final phrase of the Lord's prayer, if quoted or said without thought, probably has little significance. Are we begging God not to tempt us? Perhaps the better question is, would God tempt us? James, in the reading below, has the answer for us: God does not tempt anyone. Yes, he tests us just as he tested Abraham when he instructed him to sacrifice Isaac. (Genesis 22) But God would never do anything to cause us to wander from him.
The better interpretation of the phrase is "help me resist the temptations of the world, and protect me from Satan". THAT's what we're asking of our faithful Father! And boy, do we ever need his help in this area.
More and more, the world around us offers things that would distract us and turn us aside from following God. Debt for that new device that we just have to have. Pray for God to help you turn away from that temptation! Someone who seems to offer more than the spouse of you youth. God help us turn away and stay faithful! I could go on and on, but you get the picture.
Today, when you conclude our fast and prayer week, ask God to help you avoid the temptations of this world that in any way pull you away from him. If there is anything in your life that is tempting you now, ask him to help you stand strong. Ask him even to take it out of your life!
Prayer
Father, I come to you today humbly. I need you, Father. I need your strength, I need your peace, I need your joy. I know that these things will come to me when I come close to you. I am surrounded by a world that would tempt me on every turn. Voices cry out that what I have isn't enough, isn't good enough, doesn't measure up to what I should have. Father, I know those voices are not from you, but are from my enemy, Satan. Help me, Father, to stand strong against these voices and to never give in to them. Put a hedge around me, Father, and keep me safe from these attacks. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture Reading
Hebrews 2:18 (NKJV) 18For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
James 1:13–15 (NKJV) 13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
1 John 2:15–17 (NKJV) 15Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
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1 Comment
Our Heavenly father may test us but resisting the temptation and sacrificing ourselves and giving more time to him of us is so worth it.